An Unresolved Past

This story starts off five years after its prelude: 'Life is never what you expect it to be'. Bella is now Caius's mate and they are both very happily bonded. WARNING: This is an adult version of twilight and will have sexual submission and violence (after all; the story revolves around vampires). This is not for the faint of heart; it is very dark and has sexual content. 18+

Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer is the creator of these intriguing characters but has nothing to do with this story.

Chapter 43 - "There is nothing more certain and unchanging than uncertainty and change."*

On their way to Aro's office he stated "Once Jane is finished with Mr. Cullen I need you and Jane to go to Norway; I have an important job for both".

Aro noticed that Alec seemed to be distracted by something and asked "What's wrong, is something troubling you my son?"

Alec was looked both surprised and perplexed as he answered. "Messalina is gone. She left me and I don't know why. I thought that she was my partner but I guess we weren't. Did she say something to you about this Aro?"

"Oh yes, with all the commotion I forgot to tell you; I sent her to Rome on a mission for me. She was quite excited to see the city and thought to come back in a couple of days. I wouldn't worry about it; she will be here when you come back.

Alec found Aro's response strange considering Messalina usually told him when she made such a move but then he too had sometimes gone on missions for Aro without notifying her.

Alec turned to face Aro his curiousness piked as he inquired "What is in Norway?"

Aro's face darkened as he replied "The rest of the traitors; and I want you both to bring them to me".

Alec was stunned into silence for a few moments so Aro's continued to speak "You will also take Felix with you and leave as soon as possible. I had my spies investigate some of Carlisle's old acquaintances hoping that he may contact one of them; the method seems to have been successful."

Finally recovering from the news Alec asked "How do you know this?"

Aro smirked saying "As you know I must be totally confident of my followers and when dear Alice first joined our coven I gave her a small token of my appreciation. Planting a small homing device inside that piece of jewellery, my people were able to follow her movements."

"Why didn't you pick them up earlier?" Alec probed

Aro quickly explained "Marcus told me that he wanted to discuss something with Carlisle and I respected his wishes".

Shaking his head Alec inquire "What made you change your mind?"

A grave expression crossed Aro's features as he enlightened his protégé "I have not been able to contact Marcus or any of his party for a number of months now. Even the homing device seems to have been removed; so I decided to find out what had caused the disruption in our communications".

He let this sink in by Alec and then added "Thankfully they hadn't been off our radar for long so we made a sweep of the area. We looked up old acquaintances of the Olympia coven and had a stroke of luck; via one of them found their location. They helped us locate Edward Cullen and his mate and my people asked them to join us; giving him an opportunity to explain. Unhappily, there seems to be a sort of treason brewing and I need to nip it in the bud!"

Alec was shocked by Aro's statement and had he had heard this from anyone else, he would not acknowledge it however his trust in Aro was unshakable. Giving Aro a hesitant smile he asked "could it be possible that there is some misunderstanding? I can't believe that Marcus would allow such a thing, let alone encourage it"

Aro turned to face him saying "The traitors have weaved their web of lies well; they seem to have convinced both Demetri and Marcus to join them by telling them half-truths. I am however sure that they will want back in the fold once they have heard the full truth" he answered. Both would then discontinue any plots against him and come back to the Volturi fold. He couldn't have planned it better himself.

Alec shook his head If it is as you say; they will have moved and without Demetri we won't be able to locate them.

Aro stopped walking and turned to face Alec as he disclosed "The spies who took the both Cullens, left something behind that Carlisle's human friend will give to him"

Alec looked skeptical as he asked "Is this human trustworthy?"

Aro smiled as they approached his office, saying "Human lives are precarious short; their only legacy, the prodigy they leave behind. We convinced this human that his cooperation would extend the health and welfare of his family.

Aro opened the door and Alec followed asking "Won't the Olympia coven notice the device?"

"No, the plant is small and cleverly concealed in the package our human has given to Alice Cullen who, in turn, will deliver it to Carlisle. Of course she is unaware of her role in all of this and will be arriving at their lair shortly.".

Looking up to his mentor and friend Alec realized that Aro was right to investigate and replied "We will go and do whatever necessary to bring them all back".

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

She was just about to pick up her book when he quietly walked up behind her. Wrapping his arms around her he pulled her into his chest and fondled her neck asking "and how are you doing my love? I am hoping to share your company". He released her and she gradually turned, snaking her arm around his waist. Then glancing into his eyes she kissed him deeply something he was more than happy to reciprocate. After their fiery embrace she purred "Hearing all the commotion; I didn't expect you would come".

Her eyes were pools of devotion and when he saw this he realized once again, just how much he had longed for this. He gave her a serene and loving smile as his hand caressed her cheek. Saying "la mia bella tentatrice godiamoci la reciproca compagnia". He knew this would start her fire and was thrilled when he got the expected results.

Pushing her against the wall he devoured her mouth and she not only responded to his passion but was able to nurture it leaving them both breathless. Thanks to Dragus's help she had finally become his dutiful and affectionate mate. Her love and devotion now belonged to him, as their bond went beyond mere physical attraction. No matter what Marcus had claimed in the past; even if Caius would have come back; it would have been to a cold bed.

"La mia bella tentatrice godiamoci la reciproca compagnia" means "my beautiful temptress let us enjoy one an other's company"

They lay in bed the room now silent as they both tried to re-claim their breath. Bella snuggled up to Aro laying her head on his chest as he gently lifted her chin. He looked deep into her eyes and tenderly kissed her forehead.

Looking at him she sighed and then her happy expression morphed into a frown as she realized that silence had replaced the screaming that had filled the hallways before Aro's arrival. She then whispered "Just before you came I heard someone screaming. I meant to ask you about that but, as always, you distracted me".

He chuckled saying "I hope the distraction was to your liking".

She gave him a smile then turning her head to look at him from the corner of her eyes she whispered "Are you fishing for a compliment Aro? I think my actions spoke for themselves".

Aro was still stroking her hair back and smiled as he replied "We seem to have the same fiery appetite; I noticed that you were quite ardent to join me".

Now it was Bella's turn to chuckle "You seem most determined to divert my attention away from the answer".

Aro smiled "No, but I must say; talking about us is more to my liking. However in answer to your question; we have found a traitor and I let Jane have some fun with him".

"Anyone I know?"

"Actually, yes" he said and after a moment's hesitation he looked up saying "Edward Cullen"

At hearing the name she sat up and looking down at Aro she cautiously said "Edward would never wilfully be part of any treason".

Aro shook his head and said "I'm sorry to say he has been led astray by others".

"What do you mean?" Bella asked.

"All I know is that Marcus called me a couple of days ago telling me that Caius had been found….."

He was cut off mid-sentence "Caius found? Why wasn't I informed?" She smiled and something of hope flashed on her face.

Her smile grew as she asked "When can I …..?"

He cut her off swiftly by putting his finger on her lips "This is difficult for me so please, my dear, allow me explain; then I will gladly answer all your questions".

Seeing the gloomy look on his face she realized there would be no good end to the tale his was about to tell. He slowly began "when I asked you about Marcus's trip I realized that there was hope but wanted to be sure myself'.

He paused for a moment to gather his words then quickly continued "It seems you were correct when you said Caius's mind had been altered from his fall; apparently he had lost his memory. Carlisle and the Olympia coven were trying to help him reclaim it but Caius became frustrated. When he heard that Carlisle had a drug that might accelerate the process he obstinately demanded Carlisle use it on him. However instead of curing him, the drug expelled all the blood out of his body. Although Caius almost forced his hand; Carlisle will have to face the judicial process of the Volturi coven for this. I am so sorry to have to be the messenger of such unhappy news".

The blood tears had gradually welled up in her eyes and while Aro spoke they slowly trickled down her cheek defying gravity as they dropped onto her breasts. Her mind still in denial her trembling voice asked "But how could this happen; a vampire can't die! Having survived the fall was proof of that!"

"It all happened very fast; he had taken the medicine and as soon as he realized it didn't work, he retreated to his chambers. When Athenodora looked in on him, he was unconscious and blood was streaming out of every orifice. It seems that the medicine not only repelled his vampire blood, it also fused with his body; preventing any blood transfusion" he explained.

Her body began to shake as her sobs became uncontrollable. Seeing her desolation Aro wrapped his arms around her and pulled her towards his chest whispering words of consolation in an attempt to comfort her. In the past he would have felt her resistance but now she returned his embrace, her desperation for his comfort was overwhelming. It took a long time before she came back to her senses and pulled away.

Aro then softly murmured "I wish I could alleviate the pain but you had a right to know. I don't want you go through the heartbreak and anxiety for a second time or lose you to your depression again!"

Aro then attempted to stand up but when Bella grasped at his sleeve he explained "Do not worry my love, I just have to get something"

When he came back from their bathroom he had a damp cloth which he used to cleanse her face and then held it between both hands as he gave her a kiss saying "I promise never to leave you my love".

After that he gave her some blood and she was able to lay restful beside him. After about a half hour downtime she softly asked "But why have you tortured Edward?"

Aro softly explained "It seems that my former sister-in-law has made allegations that I had murdered my sister. She has spun her lies to the Olympia clan and when they found Caius they kept him away from us with these accusations. This unintentionally caused his death."

"And Alexia" Bella whispered as she turned to face him "Did she come with Edward?"

"There was a woman with him; I have read her mind and find her innocent of any crimes. I have put her under guard for her own safety and no one is allowed to see her until this whole mess is cleared up". Then with an unpretentious smile he added "I will not harm an innocent but I have to protect her from herself and others that may seek revenge".

She laid her head on the pillow staring at the ceiling as she said "I knew I felt his presence but it was only for a second; I almost didn't notice it. Will Marcus and Demetri be taking the body with them?"

"Yes my love" he said and then he explained "We will have bring back his body and place it in the mausoleum we will make to honour him" he whispered.

"Thank you Aro"

"We will design the monument together" Aro added.

"I would very much like that" she said as she laid her head on his chest.

* John F. Kennedy